·      Saint Joseph Community Land Trust’s annual spaghetti dinner is Nov. 16 at 6pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church. This is no cost.

·      The 2018 South Tahoe National Little League winter silent auction sponsored by Heavenly Mountain Resort via an epic promise grant is open for bidding online.

·      Truckee was named the “coolest ski town in North America” by online travel site Matador Network.

·       In recognition of Veterans Day, Lake Tahoe Cruises based out of Zephyr Cove will offer three days (Nov. 10-12) of free daytime scenic cruises for all active duty military personnel and veterans. Cruises depart at noon, check in 30 minutes prior. Call 800.238.2463 to reserve a spot.

·      The 8th annual Homes for the Holidays & Holiday Boutique presented by Assistance League Sierra Foothills will be Dec. 9 from 10am-5pm and Dec. 10 from 11am-5pm. For more info and to buy tickets, go online.

By Sam Stanton and Nashelly Chavez, Sacramento Bee

Rain and snowfall that swept over Northern California on Saturday morning hold the promise of relief from the deadly fire season that ravaged the state this year, but fire officials say it is far too early to believe the danger of more wildfires has passed.

“It just continues on,” CalFire spokesman Scott McLean said of the possibility of more fires in the coming months, despite the start of the fall rains. “Let’s see what the rains bring. Definitely, it will slow things down, but it will not stop.”

So far this year, CalFire says it has battled 6,405 blazes that consumed more than 556,090 acres, more than double the acreage that burned through the same time last year. Overall, 1.1 million acres – more than 1,718 square miles – burned between CalFire areas and U.S. Forest Service territory in the state. The carnage, as usual, was worst in October, when devastation hit Santa Rosa, Loma Rica and Redwood Valley and other communities and killed at least 43 people.

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To the community,

Liberals have a history of justifying their socialistic/communistic philosophy, because it is “for the good of all.” This is perhaps why the Democrat/progressives in Sacramento do not feel compelled to put gas tax increases or other legislation before a vote of the people.

Only they the powerful know what is best for we the people. This is why I was not surprised that [Gov. Jerry] Brown lied in his 2012 re-election bid, when he vowed he would not raise any new taxes without a vote of the people. And, surprise, surprise; no, your new gas tax dollars will not all be going to repair roads, bridges, etc.

On Nov. 1 our wallets felt a little lighter due to the new 12 to 20 cent gas tax increases, and we have yet to receive our new vehicle registration fees that are expected to increase by $100 to $175 per vehicle, per year. Further sticker shock will come when we see how these new taxes will affect what we pay for in goods (food) and services. But wait, there is more to come from Brown and his liberal friends. CARB is expected to increase gas prices another 73 cents per gallon.

Brown fell short on his promise of not raising new taxes without a vote of the people, but it looks like he will fulfill his promise of 2015 when he previewed his “California Climate Change Scoping Plan: 2030 Target,” warning, his (Brown’s) “climate fight will cost trillions of dollars, disrupting lifestyles.”

According to a poll by the University of California, Berkeley, 74 percent of Californians said they opposed sanctuary cities, counties and the state. Also, opposing SB54, is the California State Sheriff’s Association, where at their recent conference, Sen.Pro Tem Kevin Deleon agreed that SB54 (Sanctuary State) is “bad law, but it is good politics.” So, sheriff’s and safety of citizens matter not?

During his testimony before the Senate Safety Commission for DeLeon’s SB54 Bill, he said, “half of my family would be deported under Trump’s executive order, because they got a false social security card, they got a false identification card, they got a false drivers license.” So, the law matters not?

We in El Dorado County have lost two residents, due to the policies of liberal voters, Gov. Brown and his cohorts in Sacramento. Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Oliver was killed in 2015 by an illegal immigrant who had been arrested four times and deported twice. Also, killed was Placer County Detective Michael Davis. This year, sheriff’s Deputy Pat French was killed by an early release prisoner as a result of Prop. 57.

Our sheriff’s take an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Sanctuary State Jurisdiction hamstrings law enforcement. The passage of AB109, Prop. 47 and Prop. 57, allows for greater risks to the lives of both citizens and law enforcement officers, who everyday, diligently do their jobs to protect their communities.

Progressives (DeLeon, etc.) are mortgaging your families future. Gas taxes are through the roof. Counties, cities and special districts budgets are being depleted due to the $l.4 trillion in unfunded liabilities in CalPERS and billions unfunded in the California State Teachers Retirement fund. While most of the country’s economy is improving, it was recently reported that California’s is beginning to slip.

It’s time to pay attention and be engaged. In a few weeks, the petition to Repeal the Gas Tax will begin circulating. Campaigning for the 2018 statewide election has already begun. And, if you like Brown, you are sure to love Democrat candidate Gavin Newsom, whose campaign has already received donations from George Soros, one of the Progressive Party’s king pins.

Terry Gherardi, Cameron Park

Effective today the burn permit suspension in Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento and Alpine counties has been lifted.

Those possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissible burn days. Agriculture burns must be inspected by CalFire prior to burning until the end of the peak fire season. Inspections may be required for burns other than agriculture burns.

Residents wishing to burn must verify it is a permissive burn day prior to burning.

Pile burning requirements:

·       Only dry, natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings may be burned.

·       The burning of trash, painted wood or other debris is not allowed.

·       Do not burn on windy days.

·       Piles should be no larger than 4 feet in diameter and in height. You can add to pile as it burns down.

·       Clear a 10 foot diameter down to bare soil around your piles.

·       Have a shovel and a water source nearby.

·       An adult is required to be in attendance of the fire at all times.

By Melinda Myers

Brighten those gray winter days with a few colorful, easy-care amaryllis. The 6- to 10-inch trumpet shaped blossoms are sure to generate a smile and brighten your mood. And consider sharing the fun of growing these beauties with friends and families. Watching the bulbs transform into beautiful blossoms is an experience everyone will enjoy – and it’s a gift that requires no dusting.

When buying amaryllis, purchase large bulbs for the biggest and longest lasting floral display. One jumbo bulb will send up multiple flower stems over several weeks. Smaller bulbs can be planted two or three to a pot to create a living bouquet.

Try some of the newer varieties like Lagoon and Red Pearl. Their 10-inch blossoms are sure to enliven any indoor decor. Grow the Nymph series of double amaryllis if you prefer large flowers on shorter stems. Cherry Nymph has a rose-like beauty with layers of fire engine red petals.

Red Pearl, a newer variety of amaryllis, has huge red velvety flowers that are deep crimson, overlaid with burgundy and maroon. Photo/Longfield-Gardens.com

And for something different, grow amaryllis Evergreen with long and narrow, pale chartreuse petals. Large bulbs will have two or more stems, each with four or more flowers. Or plant the uniquely shaped Exotic Star with garnet red stripes and apple green highlights on ivory petals.

Grow your amaryllis in a pot with drainage holes and use a quality potting mix. Plant large bulbs in individual pots that are 7-8 inches deep and 5-6 inches across. Or group several bulbs together in a larger container.

Look for unique containers or decorative baskets to showcase these beauties. To see some creative ways to display and decorate your home with amaryllis, download a free Winter-Blooming Bulbs Inspiration Book.

When planting amaryllis bulbs, the top half of the bulb should stay above the soil surface. You can dress up the container by covering the soil surface with moss or decorative stones. Water the potting mix thoroughly after planting, and place the container in a cool (60-65 degrees), bright location. Water sparingly until the sprouts appear, and then start watering weekly, allowing the soil to dry out in between.  

Or go soilless. Place several inches of pebbles in the bottom of a glass vase or watertight container. Cover the pebbles with water. Set the bulb on top of the pebbles and add more stones around the bulb to hold it in place. Add water as needed, keeping the water level just below (almost touching) the bulb.

Now relax and wait the month or more needed for your amaryllis bulb to wake up and start growing. Flower buds usually emerge before the leaves, but sometimes the leaves come first. When the buds begin to open, move your amaryllis away from direct sunlight to extend the flower display.

You can also display these magnificent blooms in a vase. Wait until the buds are soft and showing a little color, then cut the stems to the desired length and place them in a clean vase with fresh water.

To keep your blooming plant looking its best, use scissors to remove individual flowers as they fade. Cut the entire stem back to the bulb once it has finished blooming. And watch for a second or third flower stem to appear. Some bulbs produce multiple stems at one time while others rest a week or two before sending up another flower stem.

That’s all there is to it. Just plant, water and place in a brightly lit location for weeks of fresh, colorful flowers this winter.

Melinda Myers has written numerous books, including “Small Space Gardening.” She hosts the Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and is a columnist and contributing editor for “Birds & Blooms” magazine.

Lou

Lou is a 3 year old Chihuahua mix — that’s our best guess.

He is house trained if he gets outside often enough and he has good manners. He can be a little shy to start with around new people. He walks nicely on his leash and loves other dogs. Lou would like a home with Bruce (another Chihuahua mix at the shelter). Their adoption fee has been reduced if you take both of them. If that’s not possible, they would like homes with another dog. They cannot go home with children.

Lou and Bruce are neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. They are at the El Dorado County Animal Services shelter in Meyers, along with many other dogs and cats who are waiting for their new homes. Go to the Tahoe animal shelter’s Facebook page to see photos and descriptions of all pets at the shelter.

Call 530.573.7925 for directions, hours, and other information on adopting a pet.

— Karen Kuentz

By Kathryn Reed

Ski Lake Tahoe has long been a behind the scenes group of Tahoe area resorts that collectively promoted their industry.

After 20 years the group has dissolved and will no longer be that one voice this winter or beyond.

“Ski Lake Tahoe certainly was a brand platform for the regional ski product, but the individual marketing efforts of the resorts may end up being equally powerful. In other words, whether we’re sending a single message ‘Ski Lake Tahoe,’ or several messages, we’re marketing the destination,” Carol Chaplin, executive director of Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, told Lake Tahoe News.

It’s still possible resorts will partner, but the ownership landscape has changed since Ski Lake Tahoe first formed. At the time owners were all different for Sierra-at-Tahoe, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Mount Rose. In many ways this made for a more level playing field no matter the size of the resort.

Today, Heavenly-Northstar-Kirkwood have the same parent company, while Squaw-Alpine are united.

Sierra-at-Tahoe has new plans for attracting skiers this season. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

“Sierra-at-Tahoe originally joined to have one common voice amongst seven different major resorts around the lake. To promote the destination as a whole and educate people on all the amazing options when it came to winter recreation in Lake Tahoe,” Steve Hemphill with Sierra told Lake Tahoe News. “Fast forward to today, while there are still seven ‘separate’ resorts, we really only have four sitting at the table. With two of those, owning five out of the seven mountains.”

Sierra realized last spring it wanted out. The board agreed to disband in the summer. Letters were sent to destination marketing organizations and lodging partners.

In part it said, “As the competitive landscape continues to change, Ski Lake Tahoe resorts will refocus their efforts and resources. The resorts will continue to play an integral part in the Reno-Tahoe tourism industry and continue to promote the region and look forward to working with you in those efforts.”

Ski Lake Tahoe had offered an ultimate pass for the seven resorts. Those no longer exist.

“We continue to work closely and collaboratively with other partners including Visit California and (North Lake Tahoe Resort Association),” Liesl Hepburn with Squaw-Alpine told Lake Tahoe News.

Reps from Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and Mt. Rose did not respond to an inquiry.

The resorts have long worked with the visitors bureau in its region. Other partnerships are part of the mix, too. Each benefits from the other’s marketing because so many tourists just think of skiing Lake Tahoe, without realizing the choices they have that even go beyond the seven resorts that were in this select group.

“I believe the resorts are still having conversations about where they still collaborate, so while the actual organization goes away, the shared goals don’t,” Chaplin said. “Finally, if we are to stay current with our customers/visitors, we constantly have to look at what’s the best and highest use of funds. It’s not a bad thing to look at different ways to market, particularly since technology causes us to do so frequently these days.”

Hemphill at Sierra echoed that sentiment.

“Each resort will continue to move forward with their individual campaigns and marketing efforts. Sierra and the other resorts remain committed to marketing the destination as a whole and will look for opportunities to collaborate when they’re presented,” Hemphill said.

By Larry Weitzman

Don Corleone, the godfather in the Mario Puzo novels, had a real consigliere, a lawyer who advised Corleone as to the ups and downs of his business and other moves. As a lawyer he stayed away from the violence of the family business, but as a lawyer and consigliere he advised the family with the pros and cons of all questions asked of him with honesty. Insincere advice or telling your boss something that didn’t give him all the info could cost him (the consigliere) dearly.

El Dorado County has their own consigliere or sorts, but instead of telling his bosses the truth and fully explaining the pros and cons of every legal and quasi-legal situation, he tells his bosses who are the Board of Supervisors, not both sides of the issue, but what they want to hear to make them feel good, saying he will handle the problem but not explaining how. That happened when he was asked by the board if they could get their hands on $6 six dollars sitting in the MC&FP (Missouri Flat Circulation and Finance Plan)? In open session Ciccozzi said effectively, no problem he will get it done, never explaining the sink holes that were before them.

Larry Weitzman

You see, the board wanted to look good and promise the public that they were going to add $2 million to road maintenance, “stealing” it from the MC&FP. Ciccozzi said he will handle it, no problem. The $2 million was added to the road maintenance budget at the Sept. 27, 2016, final budget hearing, based on Ciccozzi’s promise.

Ciccozzi was flat out wrong and the $2 million from the MC&FP never materialized as I wrote in October 2016 and never would materialize. According to the formation documents of the MC&FP, no one could touch any of the money except for those improvements specified by the MC&FP. County road maintenance was not one of them. Ciccozzi should have known that before he shot his mouth off. I knew the truth and so did many other people, including former Supervisor Jack Sweeney. He had the habit of reading everything.

That’s called bad lawyering and poor advice. Yet this guy continued as our county counsel. Ciccozzi is giving county counsels a bad reputation. And unfortunately, it sets a low bar for the dozen or so assistant county counsels in EDC.

Besides county counsel’s wasting of $23,000 in a fruitless investigation which only enriched a San Francisco law firm while leaving a plethora of county pot holes unfilled, Ciccozzi told the board and probably anyone who would listen that the Austin case, which is a suit against the county for the refund of over $32 million of illegally collected building fees under the guise of the Mitigation Fee Act, had no merit. First, he said the Walker case, which happens to be the law of California didn’t apply to EDC. Maybe Ciccozzi thinks we are part of the newly formed state of Jefferson. He was absolutely wrong on that one. And because the county has continued to collect MFA fees illegally, that $32 million number is more likely $50 million today.

Ciccozzi said that the money collected after the last five-year “Nexus” findings were protected for five years hence. Wrong again. The law clearly unambiguously said if a five-year Nexus study wasn’t filed timely with the Board of Supervisors, the local agency as defined by the Mitigation Fee Act which in this case is EDC, the money on account had to be refunded no matter when they were collected. Ciccozzi said that when Diamond Springs Fire bought their new truck, since that money was spent within the five-year period, EDC who holds their MFA money, owed the money notwithstanding the failure to file a new five-year Nexus study. Absolutely wrong again. Either Ciccozzi doesn’t want to tell the board the truth as it might not look good for him as he has been aware since 2013 that the non-filing of the five-year Nexus studies as required by MFA was a countywide problem or maybe he is just that bad of a lawyer. I would think the first supposition applies. But that makes him a bad lawyer for not doing the job of a lawyer, tell your client the pros and cons in a legal situation just like Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) did in the “Godfather.” He counseled his client on every side of every issue he was consulted on.

I have been led to understand I am not liked in the county halls for what I have written. I have learned that some county people say I don’t know what I am talking about, whether it be the
MC&FP, the pension and budget problems or now the Austin case involving the MFA. The county has admitted in several places in official documents that it is in violation of the MFA, including in its audited financial statements of 2015 and 2016 at pages 63 and 73 in notes 13 and 14, respectively.

In the recent tentative ruling with respect to the Austin v. EDC, et al, which can be found online under El Dorado County Superior Court Dept. 9, see rulings of Oct. 20, 2017, the court clearly struck down the one possible defense that EDC claimed it had, the statute of limitations, which effectively was grasping for a straw. Their theory clearly didn’t apply to the Austin case for a multitude of reasons (read the decision) although Ciccozzi still claims they are going to win on appeal. Unfortunately, the case will have to go to trial and judgment before an appeal can be filed, meaning hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars will be spent fighting this windmill. Perhaps the board should stop listening to Ciccozzi and get a real lawyer and find out the truth of their position. Better yet, perhaps the board members should read the court’s tentative ruling, it is completely understandable. They are paying Ciccozzi about $250,000 a year and 4th District Supervisor Michael Ranalli voted for a step increase of about $10,000 for Ciccozzi not too long ago. Call that throwing good money after bad.

If you need a modern-day analogy, try Paul Manafort who was recently indicted for not registering as a foreign agent, money laundering and about a dozen other charges. Manafort’s excuse is that they never enforce those laws. Only one person has been convicted of not registering as a foreign agent since 1966 is Manafort’s excuse for not registering. Just like Ciccozzi, don’t worry about violating the MFA, no one has ever enforced the laws, except now for the Walker case, very possibly the Austin case and those that follow. Ciccozzi made some not so brilliant decisions and told some whoppers (in this case quarter truths) to the board. He’s lucky his boss wasn’t a Corleone.

Ciccozzi’s four-year contract is coming up for renewal. It is time for the board to look for a new county counsel. The one we have now is turning into their worst nightmare. If they don’t the voters will know who to blame, Ciccozzi is appointed by the board, the board has to face the voters.

Larry Weitzman is a resident of Rescue.

Two people were killed in Kings Beach on Saturday.

Placer County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 8400 block of Trout Avenue at 4pm Nov. 4 because of shots fired. When they got there a man and woman were found shot to death.

“The investigation revealed that this was related to a neighbor dispute,” deputies said in a press release.

Deputies are not saying how many people have been detained or anything about them. The names of the deceased have also not been released.

The investigation is ongoing.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report

By San Francisco Chronicle

When it comes to navigating the myriad grub spots and watering holes that pop up on your phone when you visit Truckee, there’s no better guide than professional snowboarder Danny Davis. The 29-year-old is a two-time Winter X Games gold medalist (in halfpipe), has lived in the snowboarding mecca for the past decade, and is widely respected in the snow sports community for his laid-back style on and off the mountain.

Davis put the town — specifically his house, near Donner Summit — on the map last winter when he dropped a video of himself riding and performing tricks on top of and around his snow-covered home. “Snowed in,” he wrote in an Instagram post of the video. “I feel like such a kid walking around the yard building as many things as possible.”

Now Davis’ eyes are set on the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where he hopes to parlay his X Games success into victory on the global stage. He’ll represent the United States in the snowboarding halfpipe event.

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